Collins becomes 1st openly gay player with Nets

LOS ANGELES — History? Pressure? Jason Collins would have none of it after becoming the NBA’s first active openly gay player.

After all, it was almost game time.

“Right now I’m focusing on trying to learn the plays, learning the coverages and the game plan and the assignments. So I didn’t have time to really think about history,” Collins said at a crowded press conference less than an hour before his Brooklyn Nets faced the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night.

Collins signed a 10-day contract with the Nets earlier Sunday and played in the first half against the Lakers, grabbing a rebound and committing a couple of fouls. The 35-year-old center revealed at the end of last season he is gay, but he was a free agent and had remained unsigned.

Collins said he was aware of the magnitude of his signing, but repeatedly said he was most concerned with learning the Nets’ schemes.

“The pressure is playing in an NBA game tonight and last time I played in an NBA game was last April,” Collins said. “So I think that’s enough pressure right there.”

With a need for another big man, the Nets turned to the 7-foot Collins, who helped them reach two NBA Finals in the early 2000s.

“The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision,” general manager Billy King said in a statement. “We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract.”

Collins has played 12 NBA seasons, including his first seven with the Nets, when they were in New Jersey and Jason Kidd was their point guard. Kidd is now the Nets’ coach and Collins has been a teammate of several other current Nets.

“Jason told us that his goal was to earn another contract with an NBA team. Today, I want to commend him on achieving his goal. I know everyone in the NBA family is excited for him and proud that our league fosters an inclusive and respectful environment,” Commissioner Adam Silver said.

The Nets worked out Collins during the All-Star break and met with him again Sunday, with his twin brother, Jarron, hinting that history would be made.

“Hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday. Today should be a pretty cool day!” Jarron Collins wrote on Twitter.

The news on Jason Collins comes as Michael Sam, the SEC co-defensive player of the year from Missouri who recently revealed he is gay, is taking part in the NFL draft combine. Sam’s on-field workouts in Indianapolis are scheduled for Monday.

Collins was asked if he felt the tide is turning regarding gay players coming out, including Sam.

“I hope so. What Michael said was it was about him being a football player and me being a basketball player, and going out there and trying to help our respective teams win,” Collins said.

He played 38 games last season with Boston and Washington and averaged 1.1 points and 1.6 rebounds in limited minutes. For his career, the 7-foot Collins averages 3.6 points and 3.8 rebounds.

“I’m a solid veteran, and hopefully I’ll be in the right place” on the court, Collins said. “I know I can execute the game plan. It’s just about focusing on the task at hand and not thinking about history or anything along those lines. I just want to make it difficult for the Lakers tonight.”

Collins entered the game with 10:28 left in the second quarter and the Nets leading 35-26 after Nick Young made the first of his two free throws. The crowd welcomed him with a nice ovation when public address announcer Lawrence Tanter announced his name.

Collins’ announcement last spring was followed by numerous NBA players insisting he would be welcomed in the locker room. Collins has played for five other teams and is well respected inside and outside the league — he attended the State of the Union as a guest of first lady Michelle Obama.

“I just know Jason as a person and as a player. That’s what I’m happy about. He has earned it. He’s a great guy. It’s good for the league. The important thing is to judge him as a person and a basketball player,” Chicago coach Tom Thibodeau said.

“I know people who have coached him, and I know how highly thought of he is.”

Former Suns player Kevin Johnson, now Sacramento’s mayor, said he saw Collins two weeks ago at the White House “and I thanked him for his courage and being strong and wished him well and to keep fighting hard.

“I think it’s incredible for him. I think it’s incredible for the league. If I’m on the Nets, my commitment is I want to get in the playoffs and I want to go far. All that is fine but I need him to win games and I think he’s up for that challenge.”

The Nets had an opening for a big man after trading Reggie Evans along with Jason Terry to Sacramento on Wednesday for guard Marcus Thornton. King said Thursday that Collins would be among the players they would look at, insisting they wouldn’t be concerned about any extra attention the signing of Collins would provide.

“We’re going to bring in a basketball player,” King said. “It’s not about marketing or anything like that.”

The Nets posted a photo on their Twitter account of Kidd watching Collins sign his contract, encouraging followers to retweet it to welcome Collins to Brooklyn.

Collins is third in Nets history with 511 games played, and also ranks in their top 10 in minutes played, and offensive rebounds and total rebounds. A limited offensive player, the Nets hope he still provides a presence defensively and on the boards.

“I know Jason Collins is a competitor. One thing I know about him is he fouls very hard,” Miami’s Dwyane Wade said with a laugh. “He’s one of those tough veterans. I’m sure he’s happy to be back playing in the league. Welcome back.”

Since making his announcement last year, “Life is more exciting for me,” Collins said. “I mean, I don’t have to hide who I am and I can be my normal self. The past 10 months have been incredible. I’m making new friends, hearing different people’s stories, sharing experiences. It’s just been an overall positive.”

Collins grew up in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles and has a house here, so there was some normalcy to his day.

“It was pretty easy for me just to come to the game tonight,” Collins said, “drive down the 405, take the 10 and get here in 20 minutes.”

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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May 2: Trail Blazers 99, Rockets 98
The Rockets' season came to a crushing end as Damian Lillard hit one of the biggest buzzer-beaters in playoff history.
Series record: Portland wins 4-2

May 2: Trail Blazers 99, Rockets 98
The Rockets' season came to a crushing end as Damian Lillard hit one of the biggest buzzer-beaters in playoff history.
Series record: Portland wins 4-2

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

Image 2 of 89

April 30: Rockets 108, Trail Blazers 98
Houston staved off elimination by taking care of business in Game 5 at Toyota Center.
Series record: Portland leads 3-2

April 30: Rockets 108, Trail Blazers 98
Houston staved off elimination by taking care of business in Game 5 at Toyota Center.
Series record: Portland leads 3-2

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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April 27: Blazers 123, Rockets 120 (OT)
As is to be expected is such a tightly contested series, tempers ran high at times during Game 4, which Portland took in overtime.
Series record: Portland leads 3-1

April 27: Blazers 123, Rockets 120 (OT)
As is to be expected is such a tightly contested series, tempers ran high at times during Game 4, which Portland took in overtime.
Series record: Portland leads 3-1

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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April 25: Rockets 121, Blazers 116 (OT)
Troy Daniels hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left in overtime to help the Rockets beat the Blazers.
Series record: Portland leads 2-1

April 25: Rockets 121, Blazers 116 (OT)
Troy Daniels hit a 3-pointer with 11 seconds left in overtime to help the Rockets beat the Blazers.
Series record: Portland leads 2-1

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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April 23: Blazers 112, Rockets 105
Houston missed out on a golden opportunity to take advantage of home-court advantage by losing the first two games of the series at Toyota Center.
Series record: Portland leads 2-0 less

April 23: Blazers 112, Rockets 105
Houston missed out on a golden opportunity to take advantage of home-court advantage by losing the first two games of the series at Toyota Center.
Series record:

April 20: Blazers 122, Rockets 120 (OT)
LaMarcus Aldridge was an unstoppable force and the Rockets couldn't hold on to a late 4th-quarter lead as the Blazers stole Game 1 from the Rockets at Toyota Center.
Series record: Portland leads 1-0 less

April 20: Blazers 122, Rockets 120 (OT)
LaMarcus Aldridge was an unstoppable force and the Rockets couldn't hold on to a late 4th-quarter lead as the Blazers stole Game 1 from the Rockets at Toyota

April 16: Pelicans 105, Rockets 100
While resting most of their starters, the Rockets dropped the season finale in New Orleans.
Record: 54-28

April 16: Pelicans 105, Rockets 100
While resting most of their starters, the Rockets dropped the season finale in New Orleans.
Record: 54-28

Photo: Gerald Herbert / Associated Press

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April 14: Rockets 104, Spurs 98
The Rockets completed the season sweep of the Spurs while also clinching first-round home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Record: 54-27

April 14: Rockets 104, Spurs 98
The Rockets completed the season sweep of the Spurs while also clinching first-round home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Record: 54-27

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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April 12: Rockets 111, Pelicans 104
Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard returned to the lineup and the Rockets made a fourth-quarter comeback to knock off the Pelicans for the 3rd time this season.
Record: 53-27 less

April 12: Rockets 111, Pelicans 104
Patrick Beverley and Dwight Howard returned to the lineup and the Rockets made a fourth-quarter comeback to knock off the Pelicans for the 3rd time this

April 1: Nets 105, Rockets 96
James Harden scored 26 points but it wasn't enough to top Brooklyn.
Record: 49-24

April 1: Nets 105, Rockets 96
James Harden scored 26 points but it wasn't enough to top Brooklyn.
Record: 49-24

Photo: John Minchillo / Associated Press

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March 29: Clippers 118, Rockets 107
The Clippers completed the four-game season sweep of the Rockets with the win at Toyota Center.
Record: 49-23

March 29: Clippers 118, Rockets 107
The Clippers completed the four-game season sweep of the Rockets with the win at Toyota Center.
Record: 49-23

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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March 27: Rockets 120, 76ers 98
James Harden's second career triple double (in three quarters) secured a Rockets win and also handed the 76ers a NBA record-tying 26th straight loss. With the win, the Rockets also finish the season with an undefeated record against the Eastern Conference at Toyota Center.
Record: 49-22 less

March 27: Rockets 120, 76ers 98
James Harden's second career triple double (in three quarters) secured a Rockets win and also handed the 76ers a NBA record-tying 26th straight loss. With the win, the

March 20: Rockets 129, Timberwolves 106
Houston wins its second consecutive game without Dwight Howard, and forward Donatas Motiejunas finishes with a career high of 20 points versus Minnesota.
Record: 46-22 less

March 20: Rockets 129, Timberwolves 106
Houston wins its second consecutive game without Dwight Howard, and forward Donatas Motiejunas finishes with a career high of 20 points versus Minnesota.
Record:

March 13: Bulls 111, Rockets 87
James Harden was held to 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting in the ugly loss to the Bulls, the Rockets 2nd loss in a row.
Record: 44-21

March 13: Bulls 111, Rockets 87
James Harden was held to 8 points on 2-of-7 shooting in the ugly loss to the Bulls, the Rockets 2nd loss in a row.
Record: 44-21

Photo: Nam Y. Huh / Associated Press

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March 11: Thunder 106, Rockets 98
Emotions ran high as Oklahoma City came away with its third win against Houston this season.
Record: 44-20

March 11: Thunder 106, Rockets 98
Emotions ran high as Oklahoma City came away with its third win against Houston this season.
Record: 44-20

Photo: Sue Ogrocki / Associated Press

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March 9: Rockets 118, Trail Blazers 113 (OT)
After trailing for most of the game, the Rockets went on a big run late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually pull off the improbable win against the Trail Blazers.
Record: 44-19 less

March 9: Rockets 118, Trail Blazers 113 (OT)
After trailing for most of the game, the Rockets went on a big run late in the fourth quarter to force overtime, and eventually pull off the improbable win

March 7: Rockets 112, Pacers 86
Houston came out with a point to prove and took care of the Indiana Pacers in front of a sell-out crowd at Toyota Center. The Rockets are undefeated against the Eastern Conference at home with the win, and only have the 76ers left to go on the regular-season schedule.
Record: 43-19 less

March 7: Rockets 112, Pacers 86
Houston came out with a point to prove and took care of the Indiana Pacers in front of a sell-out crowd at Toyota Center. The Rockets are undefeated against the Eastern

March 5: Rockets 101, Magic 89
Dwight Howard visited his old team and the Rockets overcame a slow start to secure the win over the lowly Magic to cap off a nice 2-0 back-to-back series against Florida teams Miami and Orlando.
Record: 42-19 less

March 5: Rockets 101, Magic 89
Dwight Howard visited his old team and the Rockets overcame a slow start to secure the win over the lowly Magic to cap off a nice 2-0 back-to-back series against Florida teams

March 4: Rockets 106, Heat 103
Houston limits LeBron James to 22 points en route to earning one of the most crucial wins of the season.
Record: 41-19

March 4: Rockets 106, Heat 103
Houston limits LeBron James to 22 points en route to earning one of the most crucial wins of the season.
Record: 41-19

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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March 1: Rockets 118, Pistons 110
Houston got its 40th win of the season by dominating the first half against Detroit and then holding the Pistons off as they tried to make a late-game comeback.
Record: 40-19 less

March 1: Rockets 118, Pistons 110
Houston got its 40th win of the season by dominating the first half against Detroit and then holding the Pistons off as they tried to make a late-game comeback.
Record:

Feb. 1: Rockets 106, Cavaliers 92
Jeremy Lin's first career triple-double led the Rockets to the win over the Cavaliers.
Record: 32-17

Feb. 1: Rockets 106, Cavaliers 92
Jeremy Lin's first career triple-double led the Rockets to the win over the Cavaliers.
Record: 32-17

Photo: Mayra Beltran / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 29: Rockets 117, Mavericks 115
Houston completed back-to-back wins over the Mavs and Spurs for the first time since 1989 after back-to-back losses against the Grizzlies.
Record: 31-17

Jan. 29: Rockets 117, Mavericks 115
Houston completed back-to-back wins over the Mavs and Spurs for the first time since 1989 after back-to-back losses against the Grizzlies.
Record: 31-17

Photo: LM Otero / Associated Press

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Jan. 28: Rockets 97, Spurs 90
Houston recovered from its two-game losing skid by defeating San Antonio for the third time this season.
Record: 30-17

Jan. 28: Rockets 97, Spurs 90
Houston recovered from its two-game losing skid by defeating San Antonio for the third time this season.
Record: 30-17

Photo: Karen Warren / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 25: Grizzlies 99, Rockets 81
Houston fell to Memphis for the second consecutive night in a game that was decided midway through the third quarter.
Record: 29-17

Jan. 25: Grizzlies 99, Rockets 81
Houston fell to Memphis for the second consecutive night in a game that was decided midway through the third quarter.
Record: 29-17

Photo: Lance Murphey / Associated Press

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Jan. 24: Grizzlies 88, Rockets 87
Chandler Parsons set an NBA record with 10 second-half three-pointers and James Harden set a career high with 13 assists, but the Rockets couldn't get it done in the loss to the Grizzlies.
Record: 29-16 less

Jan. 24: Grizzlies 88, Rockets 87
Chandler Parsons set an NBA record with 10 second-half three-pointers and James Harden set a career high with 13 assists, but the Rockets couldn't get it done in the loss

Jan. 18: Rockets 114, Bucks 104
Terrence Jones' career night paved the way as the Rockets bounced back after an ugly second-half collapse against the Thunder in the previous game.
Record: 27-15

Jan. 18: Rockets 114, Bucks 104
Terrence Jones' career night paved the way as the Rockets bounced back after an ugly second-half collapse against the Thunder in the previous game.
Record: 27-15

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92
Houston's 73 first-half points were the highest total in a half this year for the Rockets - the problem was they came out and only scored a season-low 19 second-half points and let Oklahoma City leave town with a win.
Record: 26-15 less

Jan. 16: Thunder 104, Rockets 92
Houston's 73 first-half points were the highest total in a half this year for the Rockets - the problem was they came out and only scored a season-low 19 second-half points

Jan. 15: Rockets 103, Pelicans 100
A slow start didn't deter the Rockets from rallying past the Pelicans in the fourth quarter to end the 4-game road trip with a 3-1 record and a 3-game winning streak.
Record: 26-14 less

Jan. 15: Rockets 103, Pelicans 100
A slow start didn't deter the Rockets from rallying past the Pelicans in the fourth quarter to end the 4-game road trip with a 3-1 record and a 3-game winning

Dec. 29: Thunder 117, Rockets 86
A tired Houston squad was no match for the well-rested Thunder in OKC on Sunday as the Rockets were held scoreless until halfway through the first quarter.
Record: 21-12

Dec. 29: Thunder 117, Rockets 86
A tired Houston squad was no match for the well-rested Thunder in OKC on Sunday as the Rockets were held scoreless until halfway through the first quarter.
Record: 21-12

Photo: Alonzo Adams / Associated Press

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Dec. 28: Rockets 107, Pelicans 98
Houston's offense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter to top the Pelicans at Toyota Center.
Record: 21-11

Dec. 28: Rockets 107, Pelicans 98
Houston's offense rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter to top the Pelicans at Toyota Center.
Record: 21-11

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 26: Rockets 100, Grizzlies 92
James Harden tied a franchise record with 22 made free throws as the Rockets rallied in the second half to knock off the Grizzlies.
Record: 20-11

Dec. 26: Rockets 100, Grizzlies 92
James Harden tied a franchise record with 22 made free throws as the Rockets rallied in the second half to knock off the Grizzlies.
Record: 20-11

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 25: Rockets 111, Spurs 98
James Harden returned to the lineup from an ankle injury to pace the team with 28 points in the Christmas night win.
Record: 19-11

Dec. 25: Rockets 111, Spurs 98
James Harden returned to the lineup from an ankle injury to pace the team with 28 points in the Christmas night win.
Record: 19-11

Dec. 21: Rockets 114, Pistons 97
A shorthanded Rockets team cruised by the Pistons a night after a beatdown from the Pacers. Dwight Howard picked up the slack in James Harden's absence racking up 35 points and 19 rebounds.
Record: 18-10 less

Dec. 21: Rockets 114, Pistons 97
A shorthanded Rockets team cruised by the Pistons a night after a beatdown from the Pacers. Dwight Howard picked up the slack in James Harden's absence racking up 35 points

Dec. 18: Rockets 109, Bulls 94
Kevin McHale returned and the Rockets rode a big second half to victory over the Bulls
Record: 17-9

Dec. 18: Rockets 109, Bulls 94
Kevin McHale returned and the Rockets rode a big second half to victory over the Bulls
Record: 17-9

Photo: Marie D. De Jesus / Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 15: Kings 106, Rockets 91
The Rockets ended their three-game road trip with a loss to the Kings. James Harden exited the game with a sprained ankle.
Record: 16-9

Dec. 15: Kings 106, Rockets 91
The Rockets ended their three-game road trip with a loss to the Kings. James Harden exited the game with a sprained ankle.
Record: 16-9

Photo: Genevieve Ross / Associated Press

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Dec. 13: Rockets 116, Warriors 112
Dwight Howard hit a three-pointer and the Rockets took the Warriors by storm in the win on ESPN.
Record: 16-8

Dec. 13: Rockets 116, Warriors 112
Dwight Howard hit a three-pointer and the Rockets took the Warriors by storm in the win on ESPN.
Record: 16-8

Photo: Ben Margot / Associated Press

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Dec. 12: Trail Blazers 111, Rockets 104
Lamarcus Aldridge was a monster on the glass, snagging 25 rebounds to go along with his 31 points as the Trail Blazers took care of business against the Rockets.
Record: 15-8 less

Dec. 12: Trail Blazers 111, Rockets 104
Lamarcus Aldridge was a monster on the glass, snagging 25 rebounds to go along with his 31 points as the Trail Blazers took care of business against the

Dec. 4: Suns 97, Rockets 88
Phoenix came to town and ended the Rockets' six-game home winning streak. Houston had its worst offensive night of the year in the loss.
Record: 13-7

Dec. 4: Suns 97, Rockets 88
Phoenix came to town and ended the Rockets' six-game home winning streak. Houston had its worst offensive night of the year in the loss.
Record: 13-7

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103
After a positive win against the Spurs in San Antonio, Houston follows it up with a loss to one of the worst teams in the NBA in Utah.
Record: 13-6

Dec. 2: Jazz 109, Rockets 103
After a positive win against the Spurs in San Antonio, Houston follows it up with a loss to one of the worst teams in the NBA in Utah.
Record: 13-6

Photo: Rick Bowmer / Associated Press

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Nov. 30: Rockets 112, Spurs 106
The Rockets notched their fifth win in row overall and also snapped a 7-game losing streak in San Antonio with the win over the Spurs.
Record: 13-5

Nov. 30: Rockets 112, Spurs 106
The Rockets notched their fifth win in row overall and also snapped a 7-game losing streak in San Antonio with the win over the Spurs.
Record: 13-5

Photo: Darren Abate / Associated Press

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Nov. 29: Rockets 114, Nets 95
Jeremy Lin's 98-consecutive games played streak came to an end in the same game James Harden returned from a three-game hiatus. Chandler Parsons was perfect from the floor including 6-for-6 from three point territory as the Rockets blew past the Nets.
Record: 12-5 less

Nov. 29: Rockets 114, Nets 95
Jeremy Lin's 98-consecutive games played streak came to an end in the same game James Harden returned from a three-game hiatus. Chandler Parsons was perfect from the floor

Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120
The Rockets let a double-digit second half lead slip away in the loss to the Mavericks.
Record: 8-5

Nov. 20: Mavericks 123, Rockets 120
The Rockets let a double-digit second half lead slip away in the loss to the Mavericks.
Record: 8-5

Photo: Louis DeLuca / Dallas Morning News

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Nov. 19: Rockets 109, Celtics 85
For the second consecutive contest, the Rockets never trailed in their victory.
Record: 8-4

Nov. 19: Rockets 109, Celtics 85
For the second consecutive contest, the Rockets never trailed in their victory.
Record: 8-4

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 16: Rockets 122, Nuggets 111
Seven Rockets scored in double figures and Houston led from beginning to finish in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center.
Record: 7-4

Nov. 16: Rockets 122, Nuggets 111
Seven Rockets scored in double figures and Houston led from beginning to finish in front of a home crowd at Toyota Center.
Record: 7-4

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 14: Rockets 109, Knicks 106
James Harden returned to the starting lineup and the Rockets held off a scoring outburst by Carmelo Anthony as Jeremy Lin's return to New York proved to be a victorious one.
Record: 6-4 less

Nov. 14: Rockets 109, Knicks 106
James Harden returned to the starting lineup and the Rockets held off a scoring outburst by Carmelo Anthony as Jeremy Lin's return to New York proved to be a victorious

Nov. 9: Clippers 107, Rockets 94
The Clippers knocked off the Rockets for the second time in five days as they pulled away in the second half.
Record: 4-3

Nov. 9: Clippers 107, Rockets 94
The Clippers knocked off the Rockets for the second time in five days as they pulled away in the second half.
Record: 4-3

Photo: James Nielsen / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98
Steve Blake hit a game-winning three in the closing seconds as the Rockets' late rally fell just short.
Record: 4-2

Nov. 7: Lakers 99, Rockets 98
Steve Blake hit a game-winning three in the closing seconds as the Rockets' late rally fell just short.
Record: 4-2

Photo: Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 5: Rockets 116, Trail Blazers 101
Dwight Howard was a force in Portland, recording 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rockets to the win. The Rockets rebounded from an embarrassing loss to the Clippers the night before.
Record: 4-1 less

Nov. 5: Rockets 116, Trail Blazers 101
Dwight Howard was a force in Portland, recording 29 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Rockets to the win. The Rockets rebounded from an embarrassing loss to the